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The Princess in Catherine Walker and Jane Taylor for Armistice Day at the National Memorial Arboretum

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The Princess in Catherine Walker and Jane Taylor for Armistice Day at the National Memorial Arboretum

The Princess of Wales reprised a Catherine Walker coat for today’s Armistice Day Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.

As noted by the Royal British Legion, Armistice Day marks the agreement to end the fighting of the First World War, which began at 11 am on November 11, 1918. In the United States, the commemoration was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

A brief video from Emily Ferguson of The Express shows the Princess as she arrived. 

More about today’s ceremony from the Order of Service.

Memorials that tell powerful stories of courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty, and a beautiful living landscape that gently nurtures hope, resilience, and connection. At a time when conflict and uncertainty touch so many lives across our world, it is right that we pause here to reflect and remember together.

Following the playing of the Last Post, a two-minute silence was observed.

The Princess led dignitaries in placing wreaths.

This was the first time the Princess attended the service at the Arboretum, a national site with more than 400 memorials of Remembrance in Staffordshire, West Midlands.

More from this Express and Star article. 

Watched by the crowd, which included veterans and their families, she stepped forward to lay the large ring of poppies before appearing to take a moment of reflection and then returning to her seat.

She bowed her head as the crowd prayed for those who had been affected by conflict, including members of the armed forces and civilians.

A specially commissioned poem was read after the wreaths were laid. It was written by the Arboretum’s Poet in Residence, Arji Manuelpillai. We learn more from The Telegraph’s coverage. 

A poem was specially commissioned to mark the Princess’s attendance at the event which was understood to reflect themes close to her heart, including the importance of personal connections as well as experiences and bonds that are formed through military service.

Here is a portion of the sonnet. 

When you speak of our country, do not speak of war.

Speak of the nurse who held a hand like her own father’s,

A lieutenant who embraced a soldier like his own brother.

You see love is a compass, love is a bugle mourning. Love is sacrificing tomorrow so that a stranger can live today.

Below, the Princess is seen speaking with the poet at the Arboretum today. 

On his Instagram page, the poet wrote:

A few weeks ago I was wandering round the National Memorial Arboretum where I am Poet in Residence when I was told I was needed for a special job.

I am always happy to write commissioned poems. It’s a brilliant honing of the craft.

In a quiet meeting room I was told that Her Royal Highness Princess Catherine liked my poems and she wanted me to write one which encompassed her views and thoughts.

Here is a video with the full poem. 

The service included the hymn Abide with Me. 

Following the service, the Princess visited the Armed Forces Memorial Wall. 

More than 16000 names are inscribed on the wall, including those who have been killed on duty, those dying in operational theatres, or those targeted by terrorists. 

The name most recently added to the wall is that of Squadron Leader Mark Long, who was killed in a Spitfire crash during the Battle of Britain Memorial flight in 2024. Here you see the Princess with his wife, also a Squadron Leader, Beth Long, and their daughters Sophie and Scarlett. 

The Princess spent time with veterans, including D-Day veteran Alan Kennett.

Here you see her with another D-Day veteran, Geoffrey Spencer.

We return to the Express and Star piece.

Speaking to Mr Spencer, who served in RAF Bomber Command and repaired and flew Lancaster Bomber aircraft, Kate asked him what it was like to fly and shared that son George loves to make AirFix models and was a “big fan” of the Lancaster Bomber models.

She said: “George very much likes making the AirFix models. He is a big fan of the Lancaster Bomber, so he knows more about aircraft than I do.”

She also spoke with VE and VJ Day veteran Donald (Bill) Redston.

The Express and Star shares more about that conversation. 

…the 100-year-old told her about the keep-fit regime he credits for keeping him well.

Asked by the royal for his top tips, Mr Redston told Kate he had run marathons, including the London Marathon when he was 65 and the New York Marathon when he was 66.

The Princess met students from military families whose parents are currently deployed, including students from Newport Girls’ High.

She then viewed a special exhibition at the Arboretum, Letters from the Frontline – Words, War and Victory—more about the exhibit featuring VE Day correspondence from this BBC story. 

An appeal by BBC Local Radio in the Midlands for letters sent from the frontlines and the home front from around the Midlands was answered by dozens of people.

Twelve letters were ultimately selected and will be displayed alongside a film showing some of them being read by family members.

Included in the display is a copy of a telegram announcing the end of the war, sent days before the German forces surrendered.

Here is a video from today’s engagement posted by Kensington Palace. 

Some readers may recall that one of the Princess’s earliest formal engagements was at a fundraising appeal for the Arboretum in November 2011, when she wore a Jenny Packham gown.

And now for a look at what Kate wore today, starting with Catherine Walker‘s military-style coat. As I wrote when it was first worn in 2019, the coat features “a high point collar, front zipper, flared cuffs, padded shoulders…and swagged trim, reminiscent of the braided aiguilette trim found on some uniforms.”You can see how the coat moves in this video of the Princess with photographer Arthur Edwards, posted by Kate Mansey of The Times.  

And here is a look at how the piece was styled for the three engagements: Remembrance Sunday 2019, Remembrance Sunday 2023 (paired with Philip Treacy hats on both occasions), and today.
The Princess debuted a new chapeau by Jane Taylor. 

With thanks to Kate Middleton Styled for this ID, it was the Decima Hat in Black Felt with Bow ($2900). It is described as being “crafted from luxury felt for a beautifully soft yet structured finish. Its classic silhouette is elevated by a refined bow detail, adding a touch of understated sophistication. This versatile hat is secured with a discreet comb for a comfortable, seamless fit that stays in place all day.”

She wore her hair in an elaborate updo. 

She brought back her bespoke black suede Gianvito Rossi boots, almost a cross between the brand’s Piper style ($1995) seen on the left, and the Glen ($1465) shown on the right.

It looks like the Princess brought back her Cornelia James Alice Merino Wool Gloves ($170) with a velvet side bow and velvet fourchettes (the fabric strips between the fingers).

In the jewelry department, we saw the return of the unidentified ruby and diamond earrings and the Irish Guards Regimental Brooch. 

For those curious as to why she wore two poppies today, I do not have a good answer. 

 

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Shannon

Tuesday 18th of November 2025

I have been longing to see her in another dresscoat since the state visit,and it was worth it she looks so chic and regal

Heidi

Monday 17th of November 2025

I'm a bit late to the party, but just have to say that where I found Kate's Remembrance Sunday look ... well ... (i'll leave it at that,) here she embraces a style that complements her perfectly.

Caroline

Friday 14th of November 2025

Lovely to see Arthur Edwards having a laugh with The Princess. He’s a very nice man and obviously loves his job — still doing it at 85.

Zell

Thursday 13th of November 2025

I find this look to be very severe, but lacking in visual interest for me. It is elegant, but also comes across as cold to me.

The hat looks especially wonderful from the side, but from the front, I feel it overpowers the Princess. The diamond and ruby earrings, while lovely, are almost completely in the shade of the flying saucer type brim. From the front, this brim is much too wide.

The coat is very plain. Of course, this was likely the exact look that Catherine wanted, on such a day, but I think she would have done better with a coat that had some more heft to it, perhaps a tailored black coat of faux fur, with a wide black leather belt. With such a coat as I described, I would have paired it with a black velvet hat that is more like the two hats seen in the photos of the 2 previous outings of the coat.

I don't care for the skirt like flare of this coat. I would prefer if Catherine had worn a coat with a narrow lower part.

I loved the softness and romance of Catherine's black lace jabot look, seen on November 9th. That is a much more beautiful look to my eyes then this plain jane presentation, that gives the visual impression of duty and pain, which are certainly attributes of honor, especially on this day - but one must also have hope and beauty, too.

Zell

Monday 17th of November 2025

@Gottlieb Mia,

Gottlieb Mia, I'm very touched and honored with your Lovely reply to me! Thank you!

Zell

Sunday 16th of November 2025

@Bonnie,

Yes, a 2nd take (along with a refreshed mind) helped me see the outfit with clearer eyes. Thank you very much for your reply, Bonnie! I know we won't always agree with everything but I definitely can admit when I'm wrong. 😊

Gottlieb Mia

Sunday 16th of November 2025

@Zell, I wondered if you would like Catherine’s ensemble! I returned a few days later to see if you had commented. And guess what, I noticed all the things you mentioned in your first post. I wouldn’t label them negative comments, simply relating how the different parts of her outfit make you feel. And that’s really ok, no matter what your mood. I preferred the fascinator from 2019 and I also thought the swishy lower half of the coat didn’t quite go with the tight fitting upper half. But we agree it’s a beautifully tailored piece that suits her and she looks wonderful in all kinds of hats. I don’t know why some outfits don’t sit well with us and others do. I always love your comments and just wanted to reassure you they’re all enjoyable to read!

Bonnie

Saturday 15th of November 2025

@Zell, Well you did a total "about face" in your opinion of Kate's outfit. It takes a strong person to admit she was wrong. Thank you for coming to the opinion that most of us have, that Kate's outfit was elegant, sophisticated and very appropriate for the occasion.

Zell

Friday 14th of November 2025

@Zell,

In re-reading my words, a day later, I now think that I was too negative about this outfit. I will attribute this to my being very tired when I hurriedly wrote up something for this post, last night). That was a mistake. Writing about my personal take on "What Kate Wore" is fun for me, but this is done best, when I have a fresh view and a more awake mind than mine was!

So, in no particular order, I will add to my post, by presenting a more positive take on things...

First, this is a Very Elegant ensemble, of much grace and dignity.

I continue to mostly love the side view of the hat, which also shows off Catherine's fantastic updo. Also, the stunning diamond and ruby earrings are easily seen in many photos, (which means, they are Not in the shade from the hat, as I previously wrote, except in a just few photos, perhaps). They really look great with this outfit, and with the hat. I have a fondness for black, white and red when worn together, so I truly love the vivid red ruby and bright white diamond earrings, with this otherwise all black outfit.

Also, the bow on the hat is such a softly romantic accent for an otherwise very structured chapeau. The "luxury felt" that the hat is crafted from looks, to me, like deeply soft velvet, and, since I love velvet, I am more and more loving this hat!

The gloves are exquisite, including the lovely bows (and who knew, that the material between the fingers of gloves, has been given the adorable name, "fourchettes"! I love how much I learn about fashion and style on this site)!

The coat has glorious details that make it a military style coat, as the Admin writes. It is the kind of coat that most could not wear, but Catherine can, not only due to her position, but also, because she looks so graceful in this kind of coat.

I love how the elegance of the coat is seen in all ways, including, in how it sways with such ease and beauty, whenever Catherine moves or walks.

All and all, this entire ensemble is much more beautiful than I realized when I hurriedly put in my comments of last night, so I am happy to now correct myself, because my first view of the Princess of Wales's outfit was not the most accurate one.

Rooney K

Thursday 13th of November 2025

In the past I wasn't crazy about the coat but I like it better this time. I think it's because this is the best hat by far that's she's chosen to wear with this coat. And I like the gloves (minority opinion, obviously).

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